FIGHTING CANCER
St. Baldrick’s Foundation- Finding A Cure for Kids with Cancer
When Chris was a freshman at CC, his lacrosse team had a fundraiser for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a childhood cancer charity that funds the most promising research to help find a cure for kids with cancer.Team members shave their heads as a way of showing their support of children going through treatment, while requesting donations of support for shaving their head. Chris hadn’t told me about the fundraiser, so you can
imagine my surprise when I saw his photo on the CC LAX webpage with a bald head! I will always remember Chris saying, “ma, it was the least I could do to help these kids.” We made a donation to St. Baldrick’s in honor of Chris and in honor of Chris’ CC lacrosse teammate, Evan Spirito, who lost his 3-year battle to cancer this past fall.
The Quony Cup at Colorado College 2011- American Cancer Society
In 2008 and 2009, Chris organized a Colorado College community soccer tourn
ament called the “Answer to Cancer.” Proceeds from this tournament went to the American Cancer Society and to a local hospital to aid young patients living with cancer. To continue Quon’s legacy, Chris’ friends continued this tournament in 2011 and 2010, renaming it “The Quony Cup.” A huge success, this year the proceeds were donated to the American Cancer Society with an added donation from Chris’ foundation.
SAVE THE DATE- Sunday, MAY 6- QUONY CUP 2012! Honoring Chris Quon and CC lax teammate, Evan Spirito, who lost his brave battle against cancer last fall.
Catamount Classic- “Lacrosse for a Cure”
One of the members on the University of Vermont lacrosse team is a LFHS alumni – and Rachel’s classmate – Zack Telander. Zack also happens to wear the same number that Chris did in college –#21! The CQF made a donation towards the UVM’s team fundraiser-”Lacrosse for a Cure.” Proceeds from this event went to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute’s campaign to educate youth about the importance of cancer screening and cancer awareness prevention. The UVM lacrosse team chose this as their fundraiser because one of their teammates had been diagnosed with cancer and due to early detection, he is thankfully now in remission.
IMPACTING YOUTH THROUGH SPORTS
847 HOOPS- “Making Good Decisions On and Off the Court”
When Chris was in 6th grade, he decided to tryout for the junior high basketball team and
ended up being 1 of the 2 players cut from the team! After a few tears, instead of quitting basketball, Chris decided to work hard to become a better player. He played on a Highwood Small Fry team and it was a season we will never forget! One of the best things about the program was playing teams from all over the Chicago area and being exposed to a diversity you don’t see in Lake Forest.
We were so proud when Chris’ basketball teammate, Aron Khurana, asked us to donate to his new non-profit camp, “847 Hoops Basketball,” developed with LFHS sophomore coach, Darren Barndt. Through 847 Hoops, over forty 7th-8th grade campers participated in a week-long summer camp with high level coaching for FREE. Goals were twofold: 1) provide an opportunity for kids to attend a camp they can’t afford and 2) bring kids of different cultural, socio-economic backgrounds together. Campers came from Gurnee, North Chicago, Waukegan, Zion and Lake Forest. If you would like to support next year’s camp, email Darren at dbarndt@lfschools.net
The First Tee of Greater Chicago – “Teaching Life Lessons On and Off the Links”
Playing golf was another sport that Chris loved. One of his first jobs was as a caddy where he learned a lot of life lessons having to deal with irate grown-ups who blamed the caddy for their bad golf games! Pat Gorand, a LFHS soccer teammate, and Pat’s dad, Jim (who was also their youth soccer coach) would take Chris to some of the best golf courses! We were so sad to lose Jim unexpectedly last fall. I am grateful to have spoken to him not too long before that. He shared with me that on his work desk, he had the photo of Chris leaning against a cross (which we had passed out at Chris’ service) and that he thought of Chris everyday. Jim could seem tough on the outside, but had a heart of gold. For years, he volunteered his time to mentor young people like Chris. We were so honored when his family asked that donations in Jim’s name be sent to the CQF.
In honor of Jim and Chris, we made a donation to the First Tee of Greater Chicago which uses the game of golf to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life enhancing values and promote healthy choices. Our donation was designated to their community outreach programs- offering clinics to children in Chicago’s high poverty areas, as well as camps to youth with disabilities.
Illinois Youth Soccer Association’s “Soccer for Success” Program
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For many years, Chris participated in IYSA’s Olympic Development Program (ODP). Through ODP, he was able to meet many new friends from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds – many who came from underserved communities. These friendships and experiences helped him grow not just as a soccer player, but more importantly, as a person. With that in mind, we know that Chris would have wanted us to donate to IYSA’s “Soccer for Success” program. Over 250 children from Chicago’s underserved urban communities participated in a FREE 12-week program that uses a sports-based development program to empower children to lead a healthy lifestyle (over 49% of the children were overweight), value education and increase their life skills.
HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE IN NEED
Warming Hearts & Hands – Make it Better Foundation
Chris loved the beaches and was not a huge fan of the Chicago winters. He did enjoy the winter sports (of course) – especially skiing and ice hockey. Like most teenagers, he didn’t like wearing gloves, hat or even a heavy coat. When playing the sports, however, he came to appreciate a warm pair of gloves and a good hat. As we approached the holidays, we wanted to help underserved families to stay warm. We made a donation in Chris-and Jim Gorand’s honor-to the Make it Better Foundation, who partners with non-profits to gives new hats, gloves and scarves to thousands of families in need through their Warming Hearts & Hands program.
The Boys & Girls Club of Lake County 
A few years ago, I had the chance to serve Thanksgiving dinner at The Boys & Girls Club of Lake County. Every child was so appreciative of a hot meal! I was so impressed with the commitment of the staff to provide a safe environment for so many young people. As we’ve mentioned many times, throughout his life Chris had a passion for sports so we made a donation to th
e Boys & Girls Club to be used for the Sports, Fitness, Recreation Programs to help young people develop a love for sports and healthy living. Another passion of Chris was creating videos and listening/playing music. He created some hilarious videos over the years and was also known for his great mixes/playlists and was often the designated DJ during his college days. The donation, therefore, also went also towards their Media Arts program to allow young people to develop their skills in editing videos, creating CDs and honing their DJ skills!
Camp Hope- St. Mary’s Church
During his senior year in high school, Chris had the opportunity to attend St. Mary’s Kairos retreat. We appreciated all the Kairos leaders who cared so much for Chris’ spiritual growth. Another of St. Mary’s programs that we have admired is Camp Hope. Through the CQF, we were able to sponsor a camper so that he/she could attend Camp Hope-a fun-filled camp to individuals who are challenged by developmental disabilities.
Mothers Trust Foundation
Since 1998, the Mothers Trust Foundation (MTF) has been offering assistance to children in need in Lake County, Illinois. Requests for help come from social workers and school counselors who work with children in crisis- or have needs that have fallen through the cracks. Although not usually life threatening, each of these issues are an emergency to the child and as a result, MTF is often their only hope. Through Chris’ foundation we have partnered with MTF to provide funds to help youth in the areas of sports, travel and music – Chris’ passions.
This year we were able to help many including: a single mother of 6 children whose six-year-old son wanted to participate in the Zion Park District basketball program; an outstanding young man who wanted to attend a Skills USA Leadership Development Conference but could not afford the fees; and a homeless 13-year-old who has many health problems and dreamed of traveling on his 8th grade trip to Washington, DC.
GIVING BACK TO CHRIS’ ALMA MATERS
Lake Forest High School Christopher Quon Memorial Scholarships
In honor of Chris’ time as both a varsity soccer and varsity lacrosse in high school and in college, the second annual scholarship was awarded to one LFHS senior lacrosse athlete and one LFHS senior soccer athlete (either male or female) who will be 
playing their sport in college. Recipients were chosen based on the following qualities: character and integrity on and off the field; a true passion and spirit for the sport and a team player- someone who truly cares for his teammates. This year the soccer scholarship was awarded to Alex Wettermann and the lacrosse scholarship to Matt Sapp.
Congratulations to Alex and Matt!
Colorado College Soccer and Lacrosse Assistant Coaches Fund
Unlike the Division 1 athletic budgets, Division 3 budgets are very limited and athletic scholarships are not allowed. A goal of the CQF was to also give back to the CC Men’s lacrosse and soccer teams. After working closely with the CC athletic department to determine how we could best help the teams and where the greatest needs were, the head coaches thought support for each team’s assistant coaches would have the greatest impact on the students and the team. Through CQF, therefore, the Chris Quon Men’s Soccer and Lacrosse Assistant Coaches Fund was established. These assistant coaches (who are often young alumni or community members) do so much for the team with minimal compensation. All of Chris’ coaches had a huge impact on him and he would be thrilled to give back to CC in this way.